Hussey is one of more than a dozen additions to the Newcomb list, which also includes some players with GFL senior experience, including Jack Mentha (Bell Park), Kane Collins (North Shore) and Jarred Martin (Grovedale).

Lorne premiership duo Indi Ryan and Cooper Hyde have also joined the Power.

“Our list was quite shallow. We lost Joel Geue in Round 1, and we continued to lose players, and we found it really hard to cover them,” Nicol said.

“My method’s always been to recruit to the points (cap) over the last three years, and come Round 3 or Round 4 you’ve got the room for some players.

“So, we’ll be over in points … every player I’ve signed I expect to play senior footy at some stage.

“But the club’s in a position now where no one will be gifted a game of senior football, and it’s back on the playing group.

“I guess I’ve given the list of a bit of a shake to say “there’s no more armchair rides, boys. If you’re not ticking the boxes – in the clubrooms and out on the field – then you’re going to find yourself playing at 12 o’clock.”

Zac Smith and Sam Muir have both returned to GFL club St Albans, veteran midfielder Paul Kennelly looks set to retire, while three-time best-and-fairest Jack Hudson has also departed.

“We couldn’t come to an agreement with Jack Hudson after talking him for a couple of months.

“So, we shook hands and both agreed we weren’t going to be able to get him what he wanted. He’ll seek that elsewhere.

“We’re not in a position that we have to beg people to stay. If we can’t come to an agreement with what we think’s fair and reasonable to stay at the Newcomb Football Club, then we’ll shake hands and move on and wish Jack all the best.”